You might think you’re saving money by skipping travel insurance, but have you considered the potential costs of not having it? From unexpected medical bills to lost luggage, traveling without insurance can turn your dream vacation (or important business trip) into a financial and emotional nightmare.
In this we cover risks to expect if you decide to travel without a travel insurance, how having travel insurance — and the Air Doctor app — can save the day, and finally answer the question, “is travel insurance worth it?”
Common Issues Faced by Uninsured Travelers
Medical Emergencies
Imagine you’re exploring the lush hiking trails in Costa Rica and suddenly fall ill or get injured. Without insurance, the cost of treatment at a local clinic or hospital can quickly add up.
According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, up to 87% of travelers get sick during or after their travels.
Common medical issues like food poisoning, infections, or injuries can lead to hefty bills. Luckily, with travel insurance, those expenses are covered, allowing you to focus on getting better rather than stressing over medical costs.
Traveling internationally? Here’s the ultimate guide to emergency medical travel insurance and urgent doctor appointments abroad.
Lost or Stolen Luggage
If you find yourself asking, is travel insurance worth it? Picture this: You’ve just landed in Paris, ready to start your adventure, but your luggage is nowhere to be found. Without your clothes, toiletries, and other essentials, your trip could be off to a rough start. Replacing personal items can be expensive, and the stress and inconvenience of dealing with lost luggage can dampen your spirits.
Just take a look at this crazy story of one traveler, Paola, who’s baggage didn’t meet her at her destination after her Spirit Airlines flight. Luckily she could track her luggage, but you’ll never guess where it ended up. . . Okay, we’ll tell you – with one of the airport workers!
And if you think that you’ll just be able to contact the airport and get your luggage back, you’re sorely mistaken. The first step in the process is to contact the airline – and you can only do that if your luggage has been missing for 5 days or more!
So is travel insurance worth it? We think so! Travel insurance can reimburse you for those lost or stolen items, making the situation a little less painful and allowing you to continue your journey with peace of mind.
Cancelled Travel Plans
The perfect example to the question of, “is travel insurance worth it?” is this:
Let’s say you’ve booked a non-refundable trip to Japan, but a few days before your departure, something out of your control forces you to cancel.
Sometimes, plans change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a family emergency, a natural disaster, or a global pandemic (cue PTSD), non-refundable expenses for flights and accommodations can be costly. If you’re concerned about this, you’re not alone.
In fact, according to Forbes’ Advisor:
The top three concerns for travelers in 2024 are as follows:
- Medical emergencies (59.8%)
- Needing to cancel a trip for an unforeseen reason (31.2%)
- Lengthy travel delays (5.7%)
Without insurance, you’d lose out on the money spent on flights, accommodations, and any other extras. Travel insurance helps cover those costs, so you’re not left out-of-pocket, giving you
Trip Interruptions
If you need to cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances like political unrest or cancelled flights, the associated costs can be significant.
Imagine being at the airport about to depart for your dream vacation, when suddenly all the flights are cancelled because airport workers are on strike.
It might sound crazy, but things like that do happen.
According to a recent Business Insider’s Travel Insurance survey, 35% of travelers who bought insurance did so primarily because they were concerned about the travel provider they booked with, and feared issues like delayed flights or moved reservations.
And the costs of changing flights, booking last-minute accommodations, and other expenses can be immense. Travel insurance can help cover these unexpected costs, ensuring a safe return home that’s not hard on your bank account.
Missed Flights or Connections
Missing a flight or connection can derail your entire trip.
And, the additional costs for new tickets and accommodations can be overwhelming.
Even the best laid travel plans don’t always work out.
This is a situation where travel insurance comes in handy, since it can help cover these extra expenses, ensuring your dream vacation continues smoothly.
Don’t take our word for it – Kelsey has plenty of flight horror stories that’ll convince you to purchase worthy travel coverage.
Accidents and Liability
Accidents happen, and if you cause damage or injury to others, the legal fees and compensation costs can be daunting.
That’s right! You might’ve thought skimping on travel insurance only caused risks to yourself. But you might end up causing harm to another person or their property, and you’re still liable with or without insurance.
Picture renting a scooter in Bali and accidentally colliding with another vehicle, causing significant damage. Yikes!
Travel insurance often includes liability coverage, which will protect you from these potential financial burdens and ensure you can handle the situation responsibly.
A great example is that of Alex Waltner, who got into an accident while chasing northern lights when he collided with another car. While he had to pay an excess, he still ended up saving over 800 Euro (876+ USD)!
How Air Doctor Can Help
So if you’re still wondering, “Is Travel Insurance Worth It?”
Take it from us – travel insurance is essential.
But what if you need medical assistance while abroad?
This is where the Air Doctor app comes in.
Seamlessly Find A Doctor Anywhere You Travel
With Air Doctor in your pocket, you can easily access trusted medical assistance wherever your adventures take you. The easy-to-use app app connects you with trusted, local multi-lingual doctors, ensuring you get the care you need, wherever you are. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, finding a reliable doctor is just a few taps away.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Most common medical specialties
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 78 countries
- Video consultations & valid, local prescriptions in 84 countries and 21 languages
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing, and reviews
- And more!
Enjoy A Cashless and Claimless Experience
When you use the Air Doctor service through one of our partnered insurance providers, you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses or lengthy claims processes. It’s all taken care of by your insurance providers, allowing you to focus on your trip.
Opt For The Self-Pay Option
If you prefer to pay upfront, you can use the Air Doctor service and conveniently pay via the app. You can browse and filter doctor’s according to the consultation prices – this transparency helps you manage your expenses better and ensures you’re aware of the costs involved.
Enjoy An Improved Travel Experience
The Air Doctor app enhances your travel experience with just a few taps. The app’s fully digital experience means you can access medical assistance no matter where you are. Seamlessly find and book a doctor’s consultation in a matter of minutes, potentially saving your vacation from turning into a disaster.
“With Air Doctor, it means there are fewer travelers who will feel stranded if they fall ill abroad, and these travelers can access quality medical care from anywhere. While we’re already operating in 78 countries, we’re always working to expand our network.”
Jenny Cohen Derfler, Air Doctor CEO and Co-Founder
Travel insurance is more than just an added expense — it’s a safety net that protects you from the unexpected. From medical emergencies to trip interruptions, having worthy travel insurance can make a world of difference. Plus with the Air Doctor app, accessing medical help abroad has never been easier. Don’t take chances with your health while you’re away from home. Ensure a safer, more enjoyable trip by getting travel insurance and downloading the Air Doctor app today – it takes just a few seconds to download and it might just save your trip.
